Mourinho targets Atletico Madrid’s star striker

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is considering a January move for Atletico Madrid sensation Diego Costa – who almost joined Liverpool in the summer.

Mourinho last night insisted that he never had any doubts about who his main striker was this season, after Fernando Torres scored twice in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Schalke.

But Mourinho targeted Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney all summer and eventually added Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o to his squad.

Express Sport understands a new striker is not a priority in the January transfer window, but the Portuguese tactician may decide to change his mind and boost his side’s title bid with extra firepower.

Reports suggest that Atletico hitman Costa is on the Blues’ radar, although the Spanish outfit will demand at least £35million for his services.

Costa is expected to play at the World Cup next summer for Spain despite being born in Brazil.

And the 25-year-old could do so being a Chelsea player, although Costa turned down the chance to leave Madrid this summer for Liverpool.

The Reds lodged a £20m bid which was eventually rejected, although the former Valladoid star suggests the decision to stay was his.

“I had the chance to leave,” Costa admitted last month. “I was about to do so, Liverpool are a great team.

“But, after so much fighting and overcoming many difficulties to earn my place at Atletico, how was I going to leave?”

Costa has scored 12 goals in 10 games for Atletico this term, although £35m could prove too steep for Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Mourinho does have Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o at his resources this season.

Romelu Lukaku will only return to Stamford Bridge next summer when his loan spell at Everton expires, as there was no recall clause included the deal.